​Give us hearts awake and ready to roll up our sleeves for all that is ahead. May we as a nation stir ourselves in preparation. May we not be seduced by comfort, by ease. Give our leaders the beautiful gift of Your humility.​Proverbs 26:13-17 The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!A fierce lion is in the streets!”14 As a door turns on its hinges,So does the lazy man on his bed.15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;[b]It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyesThan seven men who can answer sensibly.17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his ownIs like one who takes a dog by the ears.

Wonderful and Wise God,

In Wisdom vs. Folly, may our nation choose Your Wisdom. Keep us from the arrogance of being wise in our own eyes. Give us discerning and humble hearts. We choose not to lean on our own understanding. We want to seek continually Your Wisdom from above.

Proverbs 26:1-12

As snow in summer and rain in harvest,So honor is not fitting for a fool.2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,So a curse without cause shall not alight.3 A whip for the horse,A bridle for the donkey,And a rod for the fool’s back.4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,Lest you also be like him.5 Answer a fool according to his folly,Lest he be wise in his own eyes.6 He who sends a message by the hand of a foolCuts off his own feet and drinks violence.7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limpIs a proverb in the mouth of fools.8 Like one who binds a stone in a slingIs he who gives honor to a fool.9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkardIs a proverb in the mouth of fools.10 The great God who formed everythingGives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.11 As a dog returns to his own vomit,So a fool repeats his folly.12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him.

​Truth Teller,

Keep us from anger and backbiting, backstabbing rhetoric. Let us be bearers of good news. May we see Your glory not our own. May we become a nation who rules well our own lives.

Proverbs 25:23-28

The north wind brings forth rain,And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.25 As cold water to a weary soul,So is good news from a far country.26 A righteous man who falters before the wickedIs like a murky spring and a polluted well.27 It is not good to eat much honey;So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.28 Whoever has no rule over his own spiritIs like a city broken down, without walls.

​Great Rewarder,

Let us refresh You by being a faithful messengers of Your Word. Give us gentle speech. Do not let our tongue be a sword or sharp arrow against our enemies. Teach us how to bless our enemies with food and water.Proverbs 25: 13-22

Like the cold of snow in time of harvestIs a faithful messenger to those who send him,For he refreshes the soul of his masters.14 Whoever falsely boasts of givingIs like clouds and wind without rain.15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.16 Have you found honey?Eat only as much as you need,Lest you be filled with it and vomit.17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,Lest he become weary of you and hate you.18 A man who bears false witness against his neighborIs like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of troubleIs like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,And like vinegar on soda,Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,And the Lord will reward you.

​Give our nation Your heart for the poor and vulnerable. You are the poor's chief advocate. You will ruin those who seek to ruin them. Keep us far from angry men. Give us leaders who are skilled with excellence in their work. Let us not steal by moving boundary lines.

Proverbs 22:22-29

Do not cheat poor people just because they are vulnerable or use shady tactics in court to crush those already suffering;23 For the Eternal is ready to take their case, and He ruins anyone who is out to ruin them.24 Do not befriend someone given to anger or hang around with a hothead.25 Odds are, you’ll learn his ways, become angry as well, and get caught in a trap.26 Do not be a person to guarantee someone else’s loan or put up collateral for the debts of an acquaintance;27 For if you do and you can’t repay, won’t you risk having your bed ripped out from under you?28 Do not steal property from your neighbors by moving the boundary markers your ancestors established.29 And as for those who are skilled in their work, they will be recognized and invited to serve kings rather than regular folk.

​You have written to us excellent things that will teach us counsel and knowledge. Your words are true. You preserve knowledge. Give our leaders ready lips to speak truth. Give us ears that listen and a mind to applies Your wisdom. Keep us from giving bribes to the rich, and from oppressing the poor.

Proverbs 22:12-21

The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man.13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside;I will be killed in the streets!”14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;He who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it.15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himselfOr who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,And apply your mind to my knowledge;18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,That they may be ready on your lips.19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,I have taught you today, even you.20 Have I not written to you excellent thingsOf counsels and knowledge,21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truthThat you may correctly answer him who sent you?

Gift our leaders and Your people with humility and fear of the Lord, Reward us with riches, honor and life. Let strife and dishonor cease among us. Give us pure hearts and pure speech. May the King be our friend. Make us generous to the poor.

Proverbs 22​A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,Favor is better than silver and gold.2 The rich and the poor have a common bond,The Lord is the maker of them all.3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,But the naive go on, and are punished for it.4 The reward of humility and the fear of the LordAre riches, honor and life.5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;He who guards himself will be far from them.6 Train up a child in the way he should go,Even when he is old he will not depart from it.7 The rich rules over the poor,And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.8 He who sows iniquity will reap vanity,And the rod of his fury will perish.9 He who is generous will be blessed,For he gives some of his food to the poor.10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,Even strife and dishonor will cease.11 He who loves purity of heartAnd whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.

Mighty God, One wise person can conquer a mighty city. Give us many leaders with wisdom. Give us carefulness of speech. Let us not be prideful and pompous, mockers, who are defiantly arrogant. Victory belongs to You alone.

Proverbs 21: 22-3122 One wise person can rise against a city of mighty men and cause the citadel they trust to collapse.23 Guard your words, mind what you say, and you will keep yourself out of trouble.24 The name “mocker” applies to one who is proud and pompous because he is defiantly arrogant.25 What slackers crave will surely kill them because they refuse to work.26 All day, every day the greedy want more, while those who live right give generously.27 The offerings of wrongdoers are despicable to God; it’s even worse when they bring them with evil motives.28 The testimony of a false witness is eventually impeached, but the person who truly listens will have the last word.29 The wicked wears a defiant face, but the right-living plans his path.30 No one is wise enough or smart enough, and no plan is good enough to stand up to the Eternal.31 No matter how well you arm for battle, victory is determined by Him.

May the wise seek to be even wiser. Let us pursue justice. Let us treat others with kindness. May we hear the groans of the poor. Free us from the vain pursuit of pleasure that makes us penniless.

Proverbs 21:11-21A naive person wises up when he sees a mocker punished. A wise person becomes even wiser just by being instructed.12 The right-living understands how evildoers operate; he subverts them and ruins their plans.13 If you ignore the groans of the poor, one day your own cries for help will go unanswered.14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a present offered privately calms fierce rage.15 When justice is done, those who are in the right celebrate, but those who make trouble are terrified.16 People who wander from the way of wise living will lie down in the company of corpses.17 Those who live to party, who pursue pleasure, will end up penniless; those who enjoy lots of wine and rich food will never have money.18 The wicked become a ransom for those who live right, and the faithless pay the penalty for their treachery against the upright.19 You would be better off living in the middle of the desert than with an angry and argumentative wife.20 The wise have a generous supply of fine food and oil in their homes, but fools are wasteful, consuming every last drop.21 Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect.

​Eternal One,

Like a river, turn the heart of our key leaders. Choose their way! Let our leaders seek justice, let us crave to do what is right. Save us from a proud look and an arrogant heart. May our nation refuse to swindle, a sure recipe for death. Give us Your well thought out plans.

Proverbs 21:21 The king’s heart is like a channel of water directed by the Eternal: He chooses which way He bends it.2 Everyone may think his own way of living is right, but the Eternal examines our hearts.3 To do what is right and to seek justice-- these please Him more than sacrifice.4 The lamp of the wicked lights his way; a proud look, an arrogant heart—all sin.5 A well-thought-out plan will work to your advantage, but hasty actions will cost you dearly.6 The fortune made by a swindler is a fast-burning fog and a recipe for death.7 Wicked people will be swept up in their own violence because they refuse to seek justice.8 Dishonest people walk along the crooked path they have made, but the innocent travel the straight course they have laid.9 It is better to dwell outside on the corner of your roof than to live inside your house with a badgering wife.10 Wicked people delight in doing bad things; their neighbors never see even a hint of compassion.

Let mercy and truth preserve our nation. Uphold us with Your lovingkindness. Sift out the wicked. Let us honor the strength of the young, and honor the wisdom of the old. Search the inner depths of us! Keep us from rash vows. Order our steps.

Proverbs 20:24-30

A man’s steps are of the Lord;How then can a man understand his own way?25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,And afterward to reconsider his vows.26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,And brings the threshing wheel over them.​27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord,Searching all the inner depths of his heart.28 Mercy and truth preserve the king,And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.29 The glory of young men is their strength,And the splendor of old men is their gray head.30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

You said by wise counsel wage war. Give us Your wisdom and counsel. Open our eyes! Give us lips filled with knowledge. Let us flee the flatterer. May deceit find no home in us.

Proverbs 20:11-23

Even a child is known by his deeds,Whether what he does is pure and right.12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,The Lord has made them both.13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.14 “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer;But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.18 Plans are established by counsel;By wise counsel wage war.19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginningWill not be blessed at the end.22 Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.​23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord,And dishonest scales are not good.

Give our leaders and Your people integrity. We want to loathe as You loathe differing weights and measures. Make us consistent in word and deed. Make us people who are faithful and full of understanding.

Proverbs 20:1-10Wine is a mocker,Strong drink is a brawler,And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion;Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,Since any fool can start a quarrel.4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;He will beg during harvest and have nothing.5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,But a man of understanding will draw it out.6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,But who can find a faithful man?7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;His children are blessed after him.8 A king who sits on the throne of judgmentScatters all evil with his eyes.9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean,I am pure from my sin”?10 Diverse weights and diverse measures,They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.

May we listen to counsel and receive Your instruction. May we never cease listening to You. May we not stray from Your words of knowledge. May Your counsel stand in our nation. Give us a fear of You that leads to life.

Proverbs 19: 19-29

A man of great wrath will suffer punishment;For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,That you may be wise in your latter days.21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.22 What is desired in a man is kindness,And a poor man is better than a liar.23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;He will not be visited with evil.24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,[c]And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary;Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his motherIs a son who causes shame and brings reproach.27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,And you will stray from the words of knowledge.28 A disreputable witness scorns justice,And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,And beatings for the backs of fools.

Good, Good Father,Those You love, You chasten. You have not set Your heart on our nation's destruction. Let our leaders seek You. May we be truth speakers, slow to anger, careful to do all You command. May we lend much to You as we give to the poor.

Proverbs 19:9-18

A false witness will not go unpunished,And he who speaks lies shall perish.10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool,Much less for a servant to rule over princes.11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,And his glory is to overlook a transgression.12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,But his favor is like dew on the grass.13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father,And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,But a prudent wife is from the Lord.15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,And an idle person will suffer hunger.16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,But he who is careless of his ways will die.17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,And He will pay back what he has given.18 Chasten your son while there is hope,And do not set your heart on his destruction.​

Glorious One,

Give us as well as our leaders, integrity. Let us not hasten to judgement. Give us wisdom. Let us treat the poor with equity. Let our hearts not fret against You. Keep us from foolishness!

Proverbs 19:1-8

Better is the poor who walks in his integrityThan one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,And he sins who hastens with his feet.3 The foolishness of a man twists his way,And his heart frets against the Lord.4 Wealth makes many friends,But the poor is separated from his friend.5 A false witness will not go unpunished,And he who speaks lies will not escape.6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility,And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7 All the brothers of the poor hate him;How much more do his friends go far from him!He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.​8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;He who keeps understanding will find good.

Word Made Flesh,

May our leaders take words seriously. May the fruit of their lips produce life not death. Let the cry of the poor be heard. Create community in our nation, friendships that bring You glory.

Proverbs 18:20-24

A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit.22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing,And obtains favor from the Lord.23 The poor man uses entreaties,But the rich answers roughly.​24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,[b]But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

God Who Listens,Give our leaders a heart that listens. Give them ears that seek knowledge and wisdom. May they not give offense, creating contention and strife. As their gifts make room for them, and bring them before the great, let them seek Your friendship.

Proverbs 18:13-1913 He who answers a matter before he hears it,It is folly and shame to him.14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,But who can bear a broken spirit?15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16 A man’s gift makes room for him,And brings him before great men.17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,Until his neighbor comes and examines him.18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease,And keeps the mighty apart.19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

​Strong Tower,

May our nation run into You and be safe. You said before honor is humility. Give our leaders humility that doesn't trust in wealth. Save us from the haughtiness that leads to destruction. Make us diligent in our work. Save us from the folly of loose lips.

Proverbs 18:7-12

A fool’s lips enter into contention,And his mouth calls for blows.7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,And his lips are the snare of his soul.8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,And they go down into the inmost body.9 He who is slothful in his workIs a brother to him who is a great destroyer.10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;The righteous run to it and are safe.11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,And like a high wall in his own esteem.12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,And before honor is humility.

Wellspring of Life,

Give our leaders the wisdom to seek counsel and not isolate themselves. Give them delight in understanding. Keep them from contempt, dishonor and reproach. Mentor and make them a wellspring of wisdom.

Proverbs 18:1-5

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;He rages against all wise judgment.2 A fool has no delight in understanding,But in expressing his own heart.3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;And with dishonor comes reproach.4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.​5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

​Good Father,

The nations have been foolish sons to You and caused You grief.Forgive us. Give our leaders knowledge and understanding. Give them a calm spirit. Give them perception. May they know when to speak and when to be silent.

Proverbs 17: 25-28

A foolish son is a grief to his father,And bitterness to her who bore him.26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good,Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.27 He who has knowledge spares his words,And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

​True and Pure One,

Give our nations wisdom as they shake hands in treaties. Remove from us scoffing, transgression, deception, and the perverting of justice. Give our leaders Your wisdom, Your understanding. Give us the marvelous medicine of joy.

Proverbs 17:18-24

A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,And becomes surety for his friend.19 He who loves transgression loves strife,And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,And the father of a fool has no joy.22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,But a broken spirit dries the bones.23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the backTo pervert the ways of justice.24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Wise Father,

Let rebellion, folly, and strife be far from our nation. We have justified the wicked and condemned the just. Forgive us! May we be a friend who loves at all times. Make us brothers and sisters born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:11-17

An evil man seeks only rebellion;Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,Rather than a fool in his folly.13 Whoever rewards evil for good,Evil will not depart from his house.14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,Since he has no heart for it?17 A friend loves at all times,And a brother is born for adversity.

God of Glory,

You are our glory. May the children of our nation bring you glory. May they be filled with excellent speech, may they know when to be silent and when to speak. May they be open to correction, and be wise.

Proverbs 17: 6-10

Children’s children are the crown of old men,And the glory of children is their father.7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,Much less lying lips to a prince.8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;Wherever he turns, he prospers.9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,But he who repeats a matter separates friends.​10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise manThan a hundred blows on a fool.

Ruler of the Nations,

You refine the nations like a refiner of gold and silver. Remove from us the dross of strife, of spiteful tongues, the mocking of the poor, the joy in the calamity of others. Test our hearts in hard times. Gift us with pure hearts to live as wise servants who inherit Your goodness.

Proverbs 17:1-5

Better is a dry morsel with quietness,Than a house full of feasting with strife.2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,And will share an inheritance among the brothers.3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,But the Lord tests the hearts.4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips;A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Patient One,You are slow to anger and abounding in mercy.You are always ready to forgive. Give us the power by Your Holy Spirit to rule our own spirit. Thank You that You are the sovereign God. You ordain all things by the counsel of Your will.

Proverbs 16:32-3332 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.33 The lot is cast into the lap,But its every decision is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,And adds learning to his lips.24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.25 There is a way that seems right to a man,But its end is the way of death.26 The person who labors, labors for himself,For his hungry mouth drives him on.27 An ungodly man digs up evil,And it is on his lips like a burning fire.28 A perverse man sows strife,And a whisperer separates the best of friends.29 A violent man entices his neighbor,And leads him in a way that is not good.30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things;He purses his lips and brings about evil.31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,If it is found in the way of righteousness.

Wise Father,

Teach us to prize wisdom! Gift us with understanding! Let us love and pursue them more than silver or gold. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Give us and our leaders Your humility. We trust You to lead us into wisdom.

Proverbs 16;16-22How much better to get wisdom than gold!And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;He who keeps his way preserves his soul.18 Pride goes before destruction,And a haughty spirit before a fall.19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,Than to divide the spoil with the proud.20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,And sweetness of the lips increases learning.22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.But the correction of fools is folly.

You Who Turn Curses Into Blessing Over Our City,

You are worthy of our complete obedience to Your authority in our lives. Let us exclude in our lives, what You demand excluded. Whatever and whoever is in Your house that was not welcomed by You, please remove.We will embrace what You embrace, and reject that which You reject, by Your power.

​Nehemiah 13 The Message (MSG)

13 1-3 Also on that same day there was a reading from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. It was found written there that no Ammonite or Moabite was permitted to enter the congregation of God, because they hadn’t welcomed the People of Israel with food and drink; they even hired Balaam to work against them by cursing them, but our God turned the curse into a blessing. When they heard the reading of The Revelation, they excluded all foreigners from Israel.4-5 Some time before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of The Temple of God. He was close to Tobiah and had made available to him a large storeroom that had been used to store Grain-Offerings, incense, worship vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil for the Levites, singers, and security guards, and the offerings for the priests.6-9 When this was going on I wasn’t there in Jerusalem; in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon, I had traveled back to the king. But later I asked for his permission to leave again. I arrived in Jerusalem and learned of the wrong that Eliashib had done in turning over to him a room in the courts of The Temple of God. I was angry, really angry, and threw everything in the room out into the street, all of Tobiah’s stuff. Then I ordered that they ceremonially cleanse the room. Only then did I put back the worship vessels of The Temple of God, along with the Grain-Offerings and the incense.

God Who Gives Honor,

We welcome into our city those who are willing for love of You to leave the comfortable familiar, and come to where You have called them. Call people back to our city who You have chosen, who will be a strength to it. If You are calling them to worship nearer their home, let them hear. Let us each be in our designated place by You. Thank You that You honor those who willingly and freely volunteer to accomplish Your will. Nehemiah 11The Message (MSG)11 1-2 The leaders of the people were already living in Jerusalem, so the rest of the people drew lots to get one out of ten to move to Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained in their towns. The people applauded those who voluntarily offered to live in Jerusalem.3-4 These are the leaders in the province who resided in Jerusalem (some Israelites, priests, Levites, Temple staff, and descendants of Solomon’s slaves lived in the towns of Judah on their own property in various towns; others from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem):4-6 From the family of Judah:Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, from the family line of Perez; Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite. The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem numbered 468 valiant men.7-9 From the family of Benjamin:Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah, and his brothers Gabbai and Sallai: 928 men. Joel son of Zicri was their chief and Judah son of Hassenuah was second in command over the city.10-14 From the priests:Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jakin; Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, supervisor of The Temple of God, along with their associates responsible for work in The Temple: 822 men. Also Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah, and his associates who were heads of families: 242 men; Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, and his associates, all valiant men: 128 men. Their commander was Zabdiel son of Haggedolim.15-18 From the Levites:Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the leaders of the Levites who were in charge of the outside work of The Temple of God; Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.19 From the security guards:Akkub, Talmon, and their associates who kept watch over the gates: 172 men.20 The rest of the Israelites, priests, and Levites were in all the towns of Judah, each on his own family property.21 The Temple staff lived on the hill Ophel. Ziha and Gishpa were responsible for them.22-23 The chief officer over the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Uzzi was one of Asaph’s descendants, singers who led worship in The Temple of God. The singers got their orders from the king, who drew up their daily schedule.24 Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, represented the people’s concerns at the royal court.25-30 Some of the Judeans lived in the villages near their farms:Kiriath Arba (Hebron) and suburbsDibon and suburbsJekabzeel and suburbsJeshuaMoladahBeth PeletHazar ShualBeersheba and suburbsZiklagMeconah and suburbsEn RimmonZorahJarmuthZanoahAdullam and their townsLachish and its fieldsAzekah and suburbs.They were living all the way from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom.31-36 The Benjaminites from Geba lived in:MicmashAijahBethel and its suburbsAnathothNob and AnaniahHazorRamah and GittaimHadid, Zeboim, and NeballatLod and Ono and the Valley of the Craftsmen. Also some of the Levitical groups of Judah were assigned to Benjamin.

Marvelous God,Give us a heart to take serious Your commands. Give us a community of people who will go with us on a journey of costly obedience in our city. Let us be willing to do the hard things. Do not let abuse Your marvelous grace. We want to pledge our time, treasure, talent and tears to see Your name be great in our city and throughout the world.

Nehemiah 10 (MSG)

​10 1-8 The sealed document bore these signatures:Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah, Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah, Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.These were the priests.9-13 The Levites:Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel, and their kinsmen: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.14-27 The heads of the people:Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, and Baanah.28-30 The rest of the people, priests, Levites, security guards, singers, Temple staff, and all who separated themselves from the foreign neighbors to keep The Revelation of God, together with their wives, sons, daughters—everyone old enough to understand—all joined their noble kinsmen in a binding oath to follow The Revelation of God given through Moses the servant of God, to keep and carry out all the commandments of God our Master, all his decisions and standards. Thus:We will not marry our daughters to our foreign neighbors nor let our sons marry their daughters.31 When the foreign neighbors bring goods or grain to sell on the Sabbath we won’t trade with them—not on the Sabbath or any other holy day.Every seventh year we will leave the land fallow and cancel all debts.32-33 We accept the responsibility for paying an annual tax of one-third of a shekel (about an eighth ounce) for providing The Temple of our God withbread for the Tableregular Grain-Offeringsregular Whole-Burnt-Offeringsofferings for the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feastsDedication-OfferingsAbsolution-Offerings to atone for Israelmaintenance of The Temple of our God.34 We—priests, Levites, and the people—have cast lots to see when each of our families will bring wood for burning on the Altar of our God, following the yearly schedule set down in The Revelation.35-36 We take responsibility for delivering annually to The Temple of God the firstfruits of our crops and our orchards, our firstborn sons and cattle, and the firstborn from our herds and flocks for the priests who serve in The Temple of our God—just as it is set down in The Revelation.37-39 We will bring the best of our grain, of our contributions, of the fruit of every tree, of wine, and of oil to the priests in the storerooms of The Temple of our God.We will bring the tithes from our fields to the Levites, since the Levites are appointed to collect the tithes in the towns where we work. We’ll see to it that a priest descended from Aaron will supervise the Levites as they collect the tithes and make sure that they take a tenth of the tithes to the treasury in The Temple of our God. We’ll see to it that the People of Israel and Levites bring the grain, wine, and oil to the storage rooms where the vessels of the Sanctuary are kept and where the priests who serve, the security guards, and the choir meet.We will not neglect The Temple of our God.

Our cities are in deep trouble. You gave us the land, in order to bless us. But slavery abounds. Our leaders do whatever they please. Our crops go to others.Because of this, we turn to you in deep repentance. With great intentionality we want to make an agreement with You, to follow Your ways. You, are our only hope for freedom.

Nehemiah 9: 36-38

And here we are, slaves again today;and here’s the land you gave our ancestorsSo they could eat well and enjoy a good life,and now look at us—no better than slaves on this land.Its wonderful crops go to the kingsyou put over us because of our sins;They act like they own our bodiesand do whatever they like with our cattle.We’re in deep trouble.38 “Because of all this we are drawing up a binding pledge, a sealed document signed by our princes, our Levites, and our priests.”

You are blameless. In all Your ways, You are perfect. Yet we, our leaders, our ancestors, ignored Your Revelation. Even in Your lavish goodness, You gave us spacious land, yet we did not serve You. We loved the provision, rather than You, the Provider. We have not turned our backs on evil. May we not treat lightly the trouble in our city. You are loyal in covenant love. You are majestic.

Nehemiah 9: 32-36

And now, our God, the great God,God majestic and terrible, loyal in covenant and love,Don’t treat lightly the trouble that has come to us,to our kings and princes, our priests and prophets,Our ancestors, and all your people from the timeof the Assyrian kings right down to today.You are not to blamefor all that has come down on us;You did everything right,we did everything wrong.None of our kings, princes, priests, or ancestorsfollowed your Revelation;They ignored your commands,dismissed the warnings you gave them.Even when they had their own kingdomand were enjoying your generous goodness,Living in that spacious and fertile landthat you spread out before them,They didn’t serve youor turn their backs on the practice of evil.

God of Inexhaustible Compassion,

We Your people have disregarded Your goodness, taken for granted Your power and have not treasured Your Word. We've mutinied against You. Our cities go from bad to worse. Yet, when we cry to You, You give us saviors. Leaders who know Your way. Leaders who lead us back to You, and away from our cruel abusers.

Nehemiah 26-31

But then they mutinied, rebelled against you,threw out your laws and killed your prophets,The very prophets who tried to get them back on your side--and then things went from bad to worse.You turned them over to their enemies,who made life rough for them.But when they called out for help in their troublesyou listened from heaven;And in keeping with your bottomless compassionyou gave them saviors:Saviors who saved themfrom the cruel abuse of their enemies.

God Who Gives Cities,

You bring Your people into strong cities, give them well furnished houses. You bring Your enemies to their knees. You cause us to revel in Your extraordinary goodness. You are faithful who promised. Our city is not too difficult for You.

Nehemiah 9: 24-25

Well, they entered all right,they took it and settled in.The Canaanites who lived thereyou brought to their knees before them.You turned over their land, kings, and peoplesto do with as they pleased.They took strong cities and fertile fields,they took over well-furnished houses,Cisterns, vineyards, olive groves,and lush, extensive orchards.And they ate, grew fat on the fat of the land;they reveled in your bountiful goodness.

Promise Keeper,

You are lavish in Your provision ... giving us all that we need on this journey of promise. You give us kingdoms and peoples. You establish generous boundaries. You give us Your Holy Spirit to teach us wisdom. You lead us into our inheritance with joy. In You we have all we will ever need.

NehemiahYou gave them your good Spirit to teach them to live wisely.You never stinted with your manna, gave them plenty of water to drink.You supported them forty years in that desert; they had everything they needed;Their clothes didn’t wear out and their feet never blistered.You gave them kingdoms and peoples, establishing generous boundaries.They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan.You multiplied children for them, rivaling the stars in the night skies,And you brought them into the land that you promised their ancestors they would get and own.

Compassionate One,

Our ancestors were deaf, dumb and blind to Your goodness. Hard hearted they spurned Your counsel, yet You faithfully stayed with them and did not walk away. You were in their midst leading them, as a pillar of fire by night and as a cloud by day. Guide us as well in Your gracious and patient compassion. Show us the way forward to possess all You've promised in our city. When we are faithless, You remain faithful still. You cannot deny Yourself.

Nehemiah 9:16-19

But they, our ancestors, were arrogant;bullheaded, they wouldn’t obey your commands.They turned a deaf ear, they refusedto remember the miracles you had done for them;They turned stubborn, got it into their headsto return to their Egyptian slavery.And you, a forgiving God,gracious and compassionate,Incredibly patient, with tons of love--you didn’t dump them.Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calfand said, “This is your godWho brought you out of Egypt,”and continued from bad to worse,You in your amazing compassiondidn’t walk off and leave them in the desert.The Pillar of Cloud didn’t leave them;daily it continued to show them their route;The Pillar of Fire did the same by night,showed them the right way to go.

Word Keeper,

You are the One who changes our name. You are the One who chooses our inheritance for us. You have given us and our descendants great promises. The boundary lines have fallen to us in pleasant places in our city. You keep Your word in righteousness. You're the One!

Nehemiah 9:7-8

You’re the one, God, the Godwho chose AbramAnd brought him from Ur of the Chaldeesand changed his name to Abraham.You found his heart to be steady and true to youand signed a covenant with him,A covenant to give him the land of the Canaanites,the Hittites, and the Amorites,The Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites,—to give it to his descendants.And you kept your wordbecause you are righteous.

Glorious One,

May You awaken a mighty band of leaders in our city who joyfully proclaim Your Glory! May Your people arise to join them. You are the exalted One above all blessing and praise! Everything that exists You made and You uphold by Your power. Everything will praise You.

Nehemiah 9:4-5 A group of Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani—stood on the platform and cried out to God, their God, in a loud voice. The Levites Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah said, “On your feet! Bless God, your God, for ever and ever!”5-6 Blessed be your glorious name,exalted above all blessing and praise!You’re the one,God, you alone;You made the heavens,the heavens of heavens, and all angels;The earth and everything on it,the seas and everything in them;You keep them all alive;heaven’s angels worship you!

Holy One,

You call us to simultaneous rejoicing and repentance, together. Give us specifics in our city regarding things to confess to you. You are great in forgiveness as we agree with You about our sin. We will have hearts to known Your Word.

Nehemiah 9 The Message (MSG)

9:1-3 Then on the twenty-fourth day of this month, the People of Israel gathered for a fast, wearing burlap and faces smudged with dirt as signs of repentance. The Israelites broke off all relations with foreigners, stood up, and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their parents. While they stood there in their places, they read from the Book of The Revelation of God, their God, for a quarter of the day. For another quarter of the day they confessed and worshiped their God.

Thank You for giving us a desire for a deeper understanding of Your powerful Word and wonderful desires for our community. Let us discover Your joyful commands, that we may observe them. May we take delight as we reenact and tell the stories of Your great deliverance. Give us ears for Your Words. You are the great joy bringer. You are the Word which breathes hope into our heart for our city.

Bring diverse people ... city officials, pastors and priests, scholars and teachers into strong agreement.

Your joy is our source of strength. Where there has been a famine of Your Word, You proclaim a feast.When we truly understand Your Wordswe invite the poor to the table. Hearing andunderstanding Your Word is ample causefor celebration. Strike up the band!

Nehemiah 8:9-12

9 Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra thepriest and scholar and the Levites who were teachingthe people, said to all the people, “This day isholy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on.”They said this because all the people were weepingas they heard the words of The Revelation.10 He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast,holiday food and drink; and share it with thosewho don’t have anything: This day is holy to God.Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”11 The Levites calmed the people, “Quiet now.This is a holy day. Don’t be upset.”12 So the people went off to feast, eating anddrinking and including the poor in a great celebration.Now they got it; they understood the reading thathad been given to them.

Your words are pure. You delight in giving understanding to the simple. Raise up thoseYou've chosen in our city to give understanding, to make sense of Your Word. Embolden and refresh them. Give us a heart to cherish Your words. Let us never lose the awe that You speak to us. Your Words, are treasure. We long to see Your glory continually displayed in our city. Let Your Word come alive in us.

Nehemiah 8:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)​4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they hadmade for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stoodMattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at hisleft hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in thesight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people;and when he opened it, all the people stood up.6 And Ezra blessedthe Lord, the great God.Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting uptheir hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites,helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood intheir place. 8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God;and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

​Word Giver,

You are worthy of Your people gathering in a citytogether as one. You are the Word Incarnate! Give us a heart to gather, to hear Your words,to understand them, and to do them. Give usattentive hearts to listen and obey. Give us ahunger for God breathed words. In the cacophonyof distracting voices we chose to listen to You.

Nehemiah 8 New King James Version (NKJV)

​8:1-3

​1 Now all the people gathered together as oneman in the open square that was in front of theWater Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bringthe Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord hadcommanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest broughtthe Law before the assembly of men and womenand all who could hear with understanding on thefirst day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read fromit in the open square that was in front of the WaterGate from morning until midday, before the menand women and those who could understand; andthe ears of all the people were attentive to the Bookof the Law.

Remembering God,

You have never once forgotten a name! Our identity and the identity of our children are significant to You. You call us by name. You inscribe our name on Your hands. Our name is near Your nail prints. You knew us even in our mother's womb, even in our present, You know us even in our future. Our name is ever present before You.

You in attentive love keep remembrance of the storyline of our families.

Appoint and affirm our gatekeepers, worshipers and the rulers of our city. Raise them up in succeeding generations. Let Your praise echo from our city. May we be faithful and fear You with holy awe.

Nehemiah 7 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.3 And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.”The Captives Who Returned to Jerusalem4 Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt. 5 Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it:6 These[a]are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city.7 Those who came with Zerubbabel were Jeshua,Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth,[b] Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah.The number of the men of the people of Israel: 8 the sons of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two;9 the sons of Shephatiah, three hundred and seventy-two;10 the sons of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two;11 the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen;12 the sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;13 the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and forty-five;14 the sons of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty;15 the sons of Binnui,[c] six hundred and forty-eight;16 the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight;17 the sons of Azgad, two thousand three hundred and twenty-two;18 the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven;19 the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-seven;20 the sons of Adin, six hundred and fifty-five;21 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight;22 the sons of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight;23 the sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four;24 the sons of Hariph,[d] one hundred and twelve;25 the sons of Gibeon,[e] ninety-five;26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;27 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;28 the men of Beth Azmaveth,[f] forty-two;29 the men of Kirjath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;30 the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;31 the men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two;32 the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three;33 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two;34 the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;35 the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;36 the sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;37 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-one;38 the sons of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.39 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three;40 the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;41 the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;42 the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.43 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel,and of the sons of Hodevah,[g] seventy-four.44 The singers: the sons of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight.45 The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum,the sons of Ater,the sons of Talmon,the sons of Akkub,the sons of Hatita,the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-eight.46 The Nethinim: the sons of Ziha,the sons of Hasupha,the sons of Tabbaoth,47 the sons of Keros,the sons of Sia,[h]the sons of Padon,48 the sons of Lebana,[i]the sons of Hagaba,[j]the sons of Salmai,[k]49 the sons of Hanan,the sons of Giddel,the sons of Gahar,50 the sons of Reaiah,the sons of Rezin,the sons of Nekoda,51 the sons of Gazzam,the sons of Uzza,the sons of Paseah,52 the sons of Besai,the sons of Meunim,the sons of Nephishesim,[l]53 the sons of Bakbuk,the sons of Hakupha,the sons of Harhur,54 the sons of Bazlith,[m]the sons of Mehida,the sons of Harsha,55 the sons of Barkos,the sons of Sisera,the sons of Tamah,56 the sons of Neziah,and the sons of Hatipha.57 The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai,the sons of Sophereth,the sons of Perida,[n]58 the sons of Jaala,the sons of Darkon,the sons of Giddel,59 the sons of Shephatiah,the sons of Hattil,the sons of Pochereth of Zebaim,and the sons of Amon.[o]60 All the Nethinim, and the sons of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred and ninety-two.61 And these were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon,[p]and Immer, but they could not identify their father’s house nor their lineage, whether they were of Israel: 62 the sons of Delaiah,the sons of Tobiah,the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two;63 and of the priests: the sons of Habaiah,the sons of Koz,[q]the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.64 These sought their listing among those who were registered by genealogy, but it was not found; therefore they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled. 65 And the governor[r] said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.66 Altogether the whole assembly was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty,67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred and forty-five men and women singers. 68 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six, their mules two hundred and forty-five, 69 their camels four hundred and thirty-five, and donkeys six thousand seven hundred and twenty.70 And some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the work. The governor[s] gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas, fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priestly garments. 71 Some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the treasury of the work twenty thousand gold drachmas, and two thousand two hundred silver minas.72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas, two thousand silver minas, and sixty-seven priestly garments.73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the Nethinim, and all Israel dwelt in their cities.Ezra Reads the LawWhen the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.Footnotes:

When repeated accusation from our enemy comes to us, questioning our motives, assuming the worst about us ... strengthen our resolve to persevere.

Let us see with bristling clarity that You have led us to do a great work ... even when it seems a small thing to us. Our place is with You in that great work. Our place is with the community of people You've brought together to do that great work. Our place is to see You restore the desolation of many generations. We refuse to converse, to come down, to consult, with those who plan our destruction. You are our God. We will not fear.

Nehemiah6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm.3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”4 But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. ​6In it was written:It is reported among the nations, and Geshem[a] says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. 7 And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in Judah!” Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together.8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.”Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

You are lavish in hospitality! Because of Your generosity, we habitually set one more place at our table. You provide so we can invite to dinner locals and rulers, and those from other nations.

You have given us the hospitality of Your very own heart. May we be the kind of leader who never demands, but rather gives, trusting that You are our compete source of supply. We do not need to exploit others becauseYou provide so abundantly.

Nehemiah 5 New King James Version (NKJV)

​14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions. 15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we[b]did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work.17 And at my table were one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us. 18 Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this I did not demand the governor’s provisions, because the bondage was heavy on this people.19 Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.Footnotes:

Just One,Attune our ears to hear the cry of oppression of this city. Let us see the specifics of injustice where ever they may be, through whomever they may be, even if we find injustice in ourselves. Give us a heart to change. Sensitize us to the many forms of economic slavery. Let us not profit from business practices that keep people in perpetual poverty. Give us a deep fear of You, You, Our Great Redeemer.

Nehemiah 5 New King James Version (NKJV)Nehemiah Deals with Oppression

5 1 And there was a great outcry of the people and their wives against their Jewish brethren. 2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons, and our daughters are many; therefore let us get grain, that we may eat and live.”3 There were also some who said, “We have mortgaged our lands and vineyards and houses, that we might buy grain because of the famine.”4 There were also those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our lands and vineyards. 5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children; and indeed we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, andsome of our daughters have been brought into slavery. It is not in our power to redeem them, for other men have our lands and vineyards.”6 And I became very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. 7 After serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers, and said to them, “Each of you is exacting usury from his brother.” So I called a great assembly against them. 8 And I said to them, “According to our ability we have redeemed our Jewish brethren who were sold to the nations. Now indeed, will you even sell your brethren? Or should they be sold to us?”Then they were silenced and found nothing to say.9 Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury! 11 Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine and the oil, that you have charged them.”12 So they said, “We will restore it, and will require nothing from them; we will do as you say.”Then I called the priests, and required an oath from them that they would do according to this promise. 13 Then I shook out the fold of my garment[a] and said, “So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.”And all the assembly said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.

Our Lord Great and Awesome,

You are the One to whom we look. When the rubbish overwhelms, and our strength is failing. You are the One to whom we look when there is anger, and conspiracy toward us. Give us Your strategy. Let us hear the trumpet call when our brothers and sisters are in need of our defense. Give us a heart to build and a heart to defend, and the wisdom to know when to do each. Give us confident hearts that You, our God, Great and Awesome, will fight for us.

Nehemiah 4 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.10 Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”11 And our adversaries said, “They will neither know nor see anything, till we come into their midst and kill them and cause the work to cease.”12 So it was, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they told us ten times, “From whatever place you turn, they will be upon us.”13 Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”15 And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. 16 So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. 17 Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.19 Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”21 So we labored in the work, and half of the men[a] held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. 22 At the same time I also said to the people, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.” 23 So neither I, my brethren, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes, except that everyone took them off for washing.Footnotes:

Hearing God,When people in fury despise us, we will look to You. Give us in the midst of mockery, a mind to work. Let us be focused on what You have assigned us, rather than on the prattle of our enemies. Our eyes are upon You.

For a wonderful song to sing over your city click herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_xD94gadEs

Nehemiah 4 New King James Version (NKJV)The Wall Defended Against Enemies

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Bro. Lawrence

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (c. 1614 – 12 February 1691) served as a lay brother in a Carmelitemonastery in Paris. Christians commonly remember him for the intimacy he expressed concerning his relationship to God as recorded in a book compiled after his death, the classic text, The Practice of the Presence of God.

We stand in a long line of Jesus lovers through the ages who have much to teach us.